Hugh Marks urged to ‘restore the confidence of editorial staff’ at ABC after Lattouf saga
ABC Chair Kim Williams and Hugh Marks
Newly-announced ABC managing director, Hugh Marks, has been warned that he “will have a full in tray of issues to deal with” when he arrives, including looking at the recommendations of a recent investigation into racism at the national broadcaster and closing out the highly-publicised saga with former presenter, Antoinette Lattouf.
In a statement issued just hours after the former Nine chief’s appointment, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) said Marks “must seize the opportunity to make cultural change in the organisation and to restore the confidence of editorial staff that senior management will always have their backs”.
Acting director Michelle Rae, said journalists would be looking for a strong signal from Marks, namely bringing to a close “the legal saga caused by the sacking of Antoinette Lattouf”, who was removed from ABC Sydney radio a year ago, and filed suit against the company.
“There is no more important job in the Australian media industry than managing director of the ABC, and it is a position that requires strong, responsible, consultative and accountable leadership,” Rae said.
“MEAA members welcome the appointment of Hugh Marks with an open mind but will expect him to quickly demonstrate that he understands the unique role of the ABC and will put the ABC and its staff first.”
Rae said Marks’ appointment “will hopefully bring to an end the instability and uncertainty of the past 12 months.
“Staff want an end to the perpetual cycle of redundancies and restructures so they can have confidence that they can have viable, secure careers at the ABC.
“MEAA members will approach the new era of leadership with a spirit of collaboration and expect that to be reciprocated by consultation with staff.”
Marks also spoke to The Age on Tuesday, owned by the company he once ran, where he addressed the dozens of allegations made against former Nine News chief, Darren Wick.
Marks was the CEO of Nine between 2015 and 2020, during which time Wicks’ inappropriate behaviour allegedly occurred. He claims he had no knowledge of the situation.
“I’m still shocked by the extent of the allegations against Darren,” Marks said.
“I didn’t know what I’ve read in the press. No one has contacted me or given me information or asked me any questions from within Nine.
“I feel terrible for the people who had to go through whatever it is they had to go through, obviously at that time. I have to think, ‘Why didn’t we know?’
“I have to understand how hard it is for people to complain and that relying on complaints, obviously, is not the sole way that these things are going to be addressed in the future.”
Marks begins at the ABC on March 10, 2025.
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